14 I'KEsjlUiiM's ADDliES>. 



the Great Limestone of IJoUihope and in the Four-fathom Lime- 

 stone of Middlehopc. From the searches we have made for this 

 fossil in the Four-fathom Limestone we are inclined to the opi- 

 nion that it is not peculiar to one bed of limestone, either in 

 Durham or Northumberland, and that further and more careful 

 search will show that it has as extensive a range, bathymetri- 

 cally, in the northern counties of England as it has in the west 

 of Scotland. Cystopteris fragilis and Asj)Ie7iium trichomanesvi'eTG 

 formerly very abundant and of luxuriant growth in this bum, 

 but we regi'etted to observe that the ruthless fern mania had 

 left not a trace of the former and only a few inaccessible plants 

 of the latter. The beautiful giant Campanula, and several of 

 the »>t. John's Worts were in full flower and abundance. On 

 former visits to Stanhope we have fretjuently observed Polygo- 

 num viviparum flowering fi'eely on the left bank of the AVear, 

 brought down by floods probably from its native Alpine heights. 



A very comfortable dinner was in readiness at the Phoenix 

 Inn, Stanhope, which was much enjoyed. After dinner the 

 thanks of the meeting were lieartily given to the Kev. John 

 AVagstaffc for his aifability and kindness. Eleven new members 

 were elected. On the way to the railway station the party 

 visited the Rectoiy garden and grounds, where they were most 

 courteously and kindly received by the Hector, the llev. Canon 

 Clayton, M.A., and Mrs. Clayton, the latter since deceased. As 

 they passed under the shade of the magnificent avenue of Lime 

 trees, sweet in their bloom and musical, fi'om the humming of the 

 bees, great enjoyment was evinced by many. The situation of 

 the Rectory was much admired, and the extensive view of the 

 dale, east and west, was regarded with delight. In the giu'den 

 the collection of Britisli plants, collected and planted by the late 

 Kiv. ^Villiam Damell, M.A., for many years Hector, was exa- 

 mined witli much interest. 



The Churcli of St. Thomas the Apostle occupies an elevated 

 situation on tlu' north side of the town, and has nave, aisles, 

 cliancel, and organ chamber, with a low square bell tower. The 

 living is a Kectory in the gift of the Bishop of Ilipon, and at 

 tlie present time is hold by the Uev. Charles Clayton. M.A., 



